[silverado113]

Originally Posted by canebrake

CHEAP!!! is always expensive. (and a compromise)

What are the long term consequences of instant gratification?

Cane we all can't afford 30 or 40 Colts like you...lol. My first 1911 was a Charles Daly and for under 300 bucks it has been a work horse. Maybe one of these days I'll get to a colt but man that is a lot of coin to let go of.

[HOSSFLY]

Originally Posted by silverado113

Cane we all can't afford 30 or 40 Colts like you...lol. My first 1911 was a Charles Daly and for under 300 bucks it has been a work horse. Maybe one of these days I'll get to a colt but man that is a lot of coin to let go of.

I kinda agree with both of you-
I had a CD once & it was the worst POS i've ever had

[silverado113]

Originally Posted by HOSSFLY

I kinda agree with both of you-
I had a CD once & it was the worst POS i've ever had

The only issue I had with it was firing HPs out of it when I first got it, but once I polished the feed ramp I haven't had any issues with it. I have put probably 6k rounds through it and it was my EDC for 5 or 6 years.

[bub72ck]

The Remington R1 can be had for under $600. I've never shot one so no information but it's just one I have found on the lower price side. Someone who has tried it can chime in with a review...

[gollygee]

For tinkering on & learning, nothing wrong with the RIA, American Classic or Citadel. Just don't expect to buy it for $500, add $200-$300 in mods & end up with a $700-$800 gun. It'll still be a used RIA, etc. & probably worth less than the $500 you paid for it, unless you found someone that really loved the mods you made & was willing to also cover part of that cost.

But, if you want a good base gun to build into a custom gun with some value to it, save up to get a better starter pistol, such as a 'bare bones' Colt, Springfield, etc. I know a guy that keeps his eye open for old used Colts that he can pick up cheap. Then he sends it to Wilson to have his magic performed on it. When it's all done, he has a well respected name brand pistol in tip top condition, including a new finish plus hand fitted/tuned with about the same investment as if he had bought a new mass produced one.

[JTEX]

Thanks for all the input guys! I def respects everyone's opinions. If anybody finds a great deal online let me know.. I'm wanting to buy sometime this month probably.

[nightal]

If you want a Commander size pistol 4 1/4'' Barrel, RIA does not make that pistol, they make a 4''pistol with a cone barrel, no bushing. American Classic makes a 4 1/4'' pistol you may like, it's in your price range.start looking at the pawn shops for a used pistol, sometimes there are some deals there?????...........

[JTEX]

Really? I'm pretty sure that RIA has a mid size 1911 I think it has a 4 1/4" barrel??

[HOSSFLY]

Originally Posted by JTEX

Really? I'm pretty sure that RIA has a mid size 1911 I think it has a 4 1/4" barrel??

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_876/products_id/411545185

[Olympus]

I learned my lesson on budget 1911s. Owned an Armscor and an American Classic. Both had severe issues within the first few months. My advice would be to save your "improvement" money and put it towards a better quality gun. You will have to delay gratification, but you'll end up owning a higher quality gun that will be worth more in the end. Put $300 into a $500 Rock Island and you still have a low end 1911. But buy an $800 1911 and you have a very solid and respectable mid-range 1911.

I've done the same thing you're talking about doing. Took an American Classic Commander and customized the crap out it. Good gun, but not something anyone else would be willing to pay for.